"Roar!"
The newly evolved Charizard erupted with a terrifying draconic pressure that stunned everyone present. Red, however, was delighted. He had never expected that absorbing the combined energy of the Dragon Fang and the Ancient Dragonite's attack would trigger such a complete transformation, forging his partner into a true Dragon-type.
"Pokémon are truly amazing creatures," Bill breathed, his eyes wide with wonder. "There are still so many phenomena in this world that I don't understand... it's incredibly exciting!"
On the beach, the other five Pokémon roared their approval, celebrating their companion's newfound strength. In response, the great Charizard flapped its mighty wings. Thanks to the resistance training that had deliberately strengthened its back muscles, it mastered flight on its very first attempt.
(Just as I analyzed,) Red thought, a flicker of pride in his eyes. He focused on his partner's new form, the system confirming the changes in his mind. Charizard's Solar Power ability had been replaced by Multiscale. It was a perfect outcome; Red had always intended to train his partner in the style of a physical attacker like Mega Charizard X, and Multiscale, which halved the damage taken at full health, was far more beneficial.
The ability also confirmed a long-held suspicion. Multiscale was a power possessed by only two known Pokémon: Lugia, and Dragonite. This was the final proof that his Charizard's father was, indeed, a Dragonite.
The evolution had also captured the full attention of the Ancient Dragonite. It observed the new Charizard for a long moment, then gave a slow, deep rumble of understanding. It recognized the blood of its own kind flowing within this magnificent creature. No wonder it had been able to absorb the Dragon Pulse.
To test its growth, Charizard decided to use a newly learned move. It opened its eyes, and a terrifying killing intent radiated from its body. A swirling, purple-gold energy engulfed its entire form, shaping itself into the figure of a giant dragon. With a roar, Charizard shot forward, becoming a living projectile of draconic power—Dragon Rush.
The Ancient Dragonite, for the first time, took a solemn defensive stance. This Charizard had evolved using its own energy; it would not be underestimated.
"Beedrill, Pin Missile! Onix, Stone Edge! Pidgeotto, Scyther, use Air Slash together! Gyarados, Ice Beam!"
The five other Pokémon launched their attacks in a coordinated barrage. The Ancient Dragonite met them with its own Dragon Rush, and the collision of moves produced a violent explosion that shook the very coastline.
When the smoke cleared, the battle was over. The six Pokémon stood panting, their bodies covered in bruises and scrapes. The Blood-Red Gyarados, having exhausted itself to briefly freeze the giant's arm, lay collapsed on the sand. The others were not far behind, forcing themselves to stand through sheer willpower. Across the water, the Ancient Dragonite stood completely unharmed.
It shook off the frost from Gyarados's attack, then rolled its eyes with a look of helpless exasperation. It had only been sparring; it hadn't realized they would take it so seriously.
"Dragonite," Red called out, "I lost this match."
His objective had been achieved. He had pushed his team to their limits and awakened the true power sleeping within his Charizard. There was no need to anger the ancient creature further.
The six Pokémon wanted to protest, to fight on, but they quieted themselves at their trainer's command. They knew he was right. Their strength was not yet enough.
"Dragonite, we will become stronger," Red declared, his voice ringing with promise. "And then, we will challenge you again!"
His team roared in agreement, their fighting spirit reignited. The sight seemed to stir something in the ancient creature's own heart. After a moment of thought, it beckoned for Red to follow.
Knowing it meant him no harm, Red calmed his worried friends. "I'll be back soon," he promised, then leaped onto the Ancient Dragonite's broad back.
As he was carried across the waves, the six Pokémon remained on the shore, beginning the slow process of recovery and reflecting on the lessons learned from their defeat.
The Ancient Dragonite brought Red to a secluded island, a hidden paradise where dozens of ordinary Dragonite lived in peace. They joyfully gathered around their ancient guardian, showing no fear.
"These are my people," the Ancient Dragonite explained, its voice echoing in Red's mind. But there was a sadness in its tone. In its heart, its only true companions were the other ancient ones from its own era. These were merely its kin.
It called to a Dragonite that seemed to be the clan's leader. The leader bowed respectfully, then reluctantly presented Red with a Pokémon Egg, its shell marked with faint, gray stripes.
"This is one of the few," the Ancient Dragonite projected, "one of the few among the new generation that can withstand the power of my bloodline. Take this egg. Raise it. Raise it to become a Dragonite worthy of our name."
It was a request, half-plea, half-command. Red did not hesitate. After witnessing the power of this ancient line, he had already considered raising a Dragonite of his own. To be entrusted with this one was an honor.
"Then I leave it to you," the ancient one said, a hint of relief in its voice. "With your strength, I believe the little one that hatches from this egg will surpass its own father."
The clan leader, though sad to see its child go, bowed its head in acceptance. It knew its child was destined for greatness.
Red carefully placed the egg into the advanced incubator he had prepared in his backpack for just such an unforeseen opportunity. Seeing his meticulous care, the clan leader's final reluctance faded, replaced by a silent prayer for its child's future.
His new companion secured, Red returned to the beach. His team, now mostly recovered, rushed over to greet him, their eyes immediately falling on the precious egg.
"This little one will be your new teammate," Red said solemnly. The others were curious, but Charizard, sniffing the air, shot a look of pure disbelief at the Ancient Dragonite.
(How is that even possible?) it seemed to think, comparing the size of the ancient creature to the ordinary Dragonite it had seen on the island.
"You insolent brat! I can adjust my size at will!" the Ancient Dragonite's angry voice boomed in Charizard's mind. "Besides, this egg is not mine, but that of my people! It has merely absorbed a trace of my bloodline!"
The mental reprimand made Charizard flinch, and it looked at the egg with newfound respect.
(So... if this little guy has absorbed the ancient one's power...)
The six Pokémon exchanged glances, a collective, competitive smile spreading across their faces.
"Hey, hey, don't scare your unborn junior!" Red said with a helpless sigh, sensing the sudden surge of fighting spirit from his team.
"Wow! Big bro got a new companion!" Ash exclaimed in surprise.
"This also proves that Red has earned the Ancient Dragonite's complete trust!" Brock said, deeply moved.
"As expected of Red," Misty added, shooting a pointed look at Ash. "Unlike a certain someone, he's just on another level!"
"Misty, what are you talking about!" Ash said, flustered.
Amidst a burst of warm laughter, the monumental encounter finally came to an end.
***********
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